SWAT: National Economic Council (NEC) Directs Establishment of State-Based Judicial Panels of Inquiry
The National Economic Council, on Wednesday, directed the immediate establishment of State-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry across the country. The panel will receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra judicial killings with a view to delivering justice for all victims of the dissolved SARS and other police units.
The Council also resolved that State Governors and the FCT Minister should take charge of interface and contact with the protesters in their respective domains.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, presided over the meeting, which was attended by State Governors. The Judicial Panels, which would be set up in all the States would include representatives of Youths, Students, Civil Society Organizations. It would be chaired by a respected retired State High Court Judge.
The NEC also directed that State Governors should immediately establish a State-based Special Security and Human Rights Committee. The Committee would be chaired by the state governors, who would supervise the newly formed police tactical units and all other security agencies located in their States.
The idea of the Special Security and Human Rights Committee in all States of the Federation and the FCT is to ensure that police formations and other security agencies in the State consistently protect the Human Rights of citizens.
Members of the Special Committee would also include Representatives of Youths, and Civil Society. The head of Police tactical units in each of the State would also be a member of the Committee.
Regarding the Judicial Panel of Inquiry, each State Government is to set up the Panel, chaired by a retired High Court Judge, with other members selected by the State Governor as follows:
- Two representatives of Civil Society groups
- One Retired Police Officer of high repute
- One Youth Representative
- One Student Representative
- One Representative of the State Attorney-General Ministry and a representative from the National Human Rights Commission.
The terms of reference for the Judicial
Panel is to –
- Receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra judicial killings;
- Evaluate evidence presented/other surrounding circumstances, and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints; and
- Recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate.
The Panel’s assignment should be concluded within a maximum of six (6) months, unless it shows convincing reasons why the State Governor should allow an extension.
There would also be Human Rights Public Complaints Team of between 2 to 3 persons to receive complaints on an ongoing basis. That team would be established by the Special Committee on Security and Human Rights.
It was resolved that each State Government shall also set up such a Complaints Office to which members of the public can relate by telephone or social media channels.
It shall be the duty of the officers of the Complaints Office to liaise with the leadership of security agencies, attempt resolution of complaints or otherwise guide the complainants.
Also, the National Executive Council directed all State Governors to immediately establish a Victims Fund to enable the payment of monetary compensation to deserving victims.
